My TN Connection

Fiber Optics has only widely been implemented over the last 20 years, although the technology, ideas and concepts have been around for much longer. Optical communication systems starting with Claude Chappe’s invention of the “optical telegraph” in the 1790’s has been in use for more than 200 years. Or more recently, in 1930 a German medical student named Heinrich Lamm - was the first person to assemble a bundle of optical fibers to carry a recognizable image. Lamm’s invention was developed to look inside inaccessible parts of the human body. Although, this discovery was not entirely as successful as he had hoped it would be, Lamm’s theory of transmitting an image through a “flexible multi-fiber conductor of radiant energy” was still in fact, a great success.

I found this subject particularly interesting and have been fortunate enough to stumble upon two writers who break down the history into two very detailed timelines. Both writers have developed some interesting facts on the subject. Including the development of raw materials and experiments that have been essential in leading up to the conception of our modern day fiber optic cables known in today’s communication networks.

Jeff Hecht, author of “A Short History of Fiber Optics” also produced the referenced timeline linked below: “A Fiber-Optic Chronology”

Check out Jeff Hecht’s time line:
http://www.sff.net/people/Jeff.Hecht/chron.html

Another comparable timeline written by Mary Bellis, who is an inventor and writer at www.about.com, includes specific information about the people who have contributed to the development of fiber optics.

Check out Mary Bellis timeline article:
http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa980407.htm

It is amazing to think at some level, that these profound contributions led to the succession and quality of the fiber optic cables being developed in today’s communication networks and infrastructure.

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.